Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams

When directed, the Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) deploy to the combined joint operations area - Afghanistan to coach, teach and mentor Afghanistan National Army (ANA) units; provide a conduit for liaison and command and control; and support the operational planning and employment of an aligned ANA unit in order to support the development of a self sufficient, competent and professional ANA. U.S. augmentation to OMLTs (OMLT-As) builds on state partnership relationships with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries. It demonstrates commitment to emerging nations and strengthens alliances with these nations enabling them to contribute OMLTs. OMLTs do not have a standard configuration; they vary in number of rotations and personnel requirements. However, at a minimum, each OMLT-A will have at least 12 U.S. personnel.

What has the OMLT done?

OMLT-As are created using the NATO concept of operations published by Supreme Headquarters Allied Power Europe. ARNG Soldiers augment OMLT-As to fill critical vacancies within the structures of the participating NATO countries. In May 2008, the adjutant general of Michigan and the chief of defense of Latvia agreed to partner in two OMLT rotations. Since then, Ohio, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Michigan have agreed to support their NATO partners (for example, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Latvia) in some form of OMLT mission. They contribute to kandak, garrison and combat support and combat service support level OMLTs.

What continued efforts does the OMLT have planned for the future?

The state partnership program as of August 1, 2009 has 61 partnerships and 2 bilateral relationships, with 21 partnerships in Unites States European Command. The Army National Guard plans to expand this program to involve additional states and their international partners.

Why is this important to the Army National Guard?

Without the National Guard's assistance, many NATO partners would be unable to participate in the International Security Assistance Force mission. OMLTs alleviate the need for an increase in Embedded Training Team. The OMLT builds upon the strong foundation of the state partnership program as well as the influence of NATO. This includes leveraging the existing partnerships of Ohio and Hungary, Tennessee and Bulgaria, Minnesota and Croatia, and Michigan and Latvia.

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